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Office of Public and Intergovernmental Affairs

VA Employees Honored for Their Heroism

WASHINGTON – Dedication, selflessness and heroism took center stage in Washington Tuesday as Secretary of Veterans Affairs R. James Nicholson recognized the efforts of 73 Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) employees during hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

"Our employees are true heroes," Nicholson said, as he presented them with the department’s Valor Award. "Their professionalism and bravery during an unprecedented catastrophe allowed us to focus on the well-being of our veterans. Even as they endured personal tragedy, they showed a commitment to their patients that never wavered."

The Secretary’s Valor Award recognizes employees and citizens for heroic efforts displayed during a major catastrophe. The Valor Award is the highest level of recognition and is given to VA employees who exhibit courage and who put their lives in jeopardy to save others.

These employees were nominated because they exhibited great courage by voluntarily risking their personal safety to prevent the loss of human life or government property. As a result of their efforts, VA maintained continuity of care for several hundred acutely ill veterans under difficult conditions.

Nearly 10,000 VA employees around the country will be recognized for their actions during the hurricanes. In addition to the 73 Valor Awards, 3,000 received official commendations and more than 6,800 were given certificates of appreciation for showing great initiative and ingenuity by addressing and solving all manner of problems arising from flooding, wind damage, lack of power, water, medical supplies and transport during hurricanes Katrina and Rita.